How to Lead Systems Change Work

January 14, 2021

2020 has been a year of unprecedented change. With the COVID-19 pandemic revealing inequities in our healthcare system and the Black Lives Matter movement urging us to confront our country’s systemic racism, there is a clear call to action.

The Center for Public & Nonprofit Leadership is pleased to release our new report, How to Lead Systems Change Work, at this critical time.

In the report, Dr. Luisa Boyarski, Associate Director of the Center, explains different approaches to systems change and offers the practitioner’s perspective, explaining what is needed for systems change to work well. Now more than ever, there is a need to create sustainable change for a more equitable and just society.

The report concludes with recommendations on how to support the work as well as the personal growth of the leaders involved, including: communities of practice, professional development opportunities, financial support, and research, data and case studies.

“Leaders need to be supported and encouraged to connect with others doing this work. Systems work can feel complex or isolating. One of the most important things a leader can do is find others to lean on, thought partner with, or challenge them. I often remind myself that systems are made up of people – and the only way to transform those systems is to work with people to change our behaviors, policies, and practices.”

Jennifer Blatz, President and CEO, StriveTogether

“Create more opportunities for grassroots members to receive funding for their ideas, initiatives, and projects. The gatekeeping role of nonprofits can be minimized by investing more dollars in building community capacity through grassroots grantmaking”.

Jayne Park, Executive Director, IMPACT Silver Spring

Click here to read How to Lead Systems Change Work